Find information on Varicella Titer testing, including clinical documentation requirements, medical coding guidelines, and interpretation of results. Learn about Varicella Zoster Virus VZV IgG antibody testing, immune status determination, and varicella immunity documentation for healthcare professionals. Understand the importance of accurate varicella titer documentation for patient care and appropriate medical billing using relevant ICD-10 and CPT codes. This resource provides guidance on varicella serology, VZV antibody testing, and best practices for healthcare providers.
Also known as
Chickenpox
Infectious disease causing itchy rash with blisters.
Encounter for vaccination
Indicates encounter for prophylactic vaccination.
Abnormal findings on examination
Covers various abnormal lab findings, including antibody titers.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the titer being performed to determine immunity?
Yes
Is the patient susceptible?
No
Is there suspected current infection?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Varicella immunity test |
| Chickenpox (Varicella) |
| Shingles (Herpes Zoster) |
Coding varicella titer without specifying reason (e.g., immunity screening, pre-employment) risks inaccurate billing and compliance issues.
Incorrectly using Z23 (encounter for immunization) instead of R70 (abnormal immunological findings) for titer results can lead to claim denials.
Performing varicella titers without clear medical necessity documentation exposes claims to audits and potential recoupments.
Patient presents for varicella titer assessment. Reasons for testing include pre-employment screening, prenatal evaluation, or assessment of immunity prior to potential exposure. Relevant history includes possible prior chickenpox infection or varicella vaccination. Patient denies current symptoms of varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation such as shingles. No active rash, fever, or neurological symptoms are reported. Physical examination is unremarkable. Varicella titer blood draw was performed. Diagnosis: Zoster, Varicella (chickenpox), Unspecified. Differential diagnoses include other viral exanthems. Plan: Result of varicella antibody IgG titer will be reviewed upon receipt. If immune, no further action is required. If non-immune, vaccination with varicella vaccine will be recommended per ACIP guidelines. Patient education provided regarding varicella infection, transmission, and prevention, including post-vaccination care instructions if applicable. ICD-10 code: B01.9 Varicella zoster virus infection, unspecified. CPT code 86707 Varicella zoster virus antibody, IgG. Keywords: varicella titer, chickenpox antibody test, VZV IgG, varicella immunity, pre-employment screening, prenatal varicella screening, varicella vaccination, chickenpox exposure, shingles, herpes zoster, B01.9, 86707, ACIP guidelines.